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In his opening match of the season, Juan Martin del Potro defeated Kevin Anderson 64 64 at the 2017 Delray Beach Open ... Enjoy some tennis highlights from their match...
Showing posts with label Kevin Anderson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevin Anderson. Show all posts
Friday, February 24, 2017
Video: Juan Martin Del Potro vs Kevin Anderson 2017 Delray Beach Open Highlights
In his opening match of the season, Juan Martin del Potro defeated Kevin Anderson 64 64 at the 2017 Delray Beach Open ... Enjoy some tennis highlights from their match...
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Del Potro wins Delray Beach opener
Juan Martin del Potro defeated Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the 2017 Delray Beach Open.
Del Potro hit cautiously off his backhand and survived a tumble in the first set that left him with a grazed right knee.
The Argentine struggled to generate pace on his backhand and mixed in a number of one-handed slices. When Anderson approached the net, del Potro elected to either lob or stretch him with well-placed, medium-paced backhands.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Video: Dimitrov and Anderson Visit Pandas In Chengdu
ATP World Tour stars, including Grigor Dimitrov and Kevin Anderson, visit the pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in between tennis at the Chengdu Open.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Kevin Anderson Interview US Open Round 4
An Interview With: Kevin Anderson (Round 4)
Monday, September 07, 2015
Q. How good did that shower feel tonight?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, you know, obviously knowing I was playing Andy in the fourth round a couple days ago, it's sometimes tough not to wonder and think about the match, think post the match and what it will be like. Obviously sitting here having played the match and winning it, it's hard to describe how I'm feeling. I felt I played one of the best matches of my career. To do it at this stage, at this round, obviously to get through to the quarters the first time in a slam definitely means a lot to me.
Q. Were you able to read all the texts from the University of Illinois alumni players?
KEVIN ANDERSON: I turned my phone onto flight mode before. It's interesting. I think my phone kind of froze. I got so many. It was awesome to see all the support and actually amazing to see how many people were watching the match.
Q. To what degree does your demeanor play into your success?
KEVIN ANDERSON: I'm not sure. Especially in a match like that where I felt there was so much energy out there, you know, I was just really trying to focus on the basics as much as I could. I mean, I was feeling it a lot.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Videos: Basel 2012 Thursday Interviews with Delpo, Anderson and Mathieu
Videos: Basel 2012 Thursday Interviews with Delpo, Anderson and Mathieu
Juan Martin del Potro talks about his second-round win at the Swiss Indoors Basel and qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
Watch more video at http://www.tennistv.com/
Kevin Anderson discusses a three-sets win over Marinko Matosevic in the second round ...
Juan Martin del Potro talks about his second-round win at the Swiss Indoors Basel and qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
Watch more video at http://www.tennistv.com/
Kevin Anderson discusses a three-sets win over Marinko Matosevic in the second round ...
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Tsonga and Lopez beaten in Queen's
Tsonga and Lopez beaten in Queen'sJo-Wilfried Tsonga was beaten 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 by Ivan Dodig while Feliciano Lopez was defeated by Kevin Anderson 7-6, 7-6 in the third round of the AEGON Championships.
Dodig will face Sam Querrey, who defeated Julien Benneteau 6-3 3-6 6-3, in the quarter-finals.
Tsonga produced a lethargic display and Dodig took full advantage to claim the win.
Dodig played with freedom and confidence, while the Frenchman was far from his best form.
The opening set went into a tie-breaker where Tsonga produced an error-strewn effort that allowed Dodig to secure the lead.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Videos: London Tuesday Highlights and Interviews | June 12th 2012
Videos: London Tuesday Highlights and Interviews | June 12th 2012
Enjoy some tennis highlights from Tuesday´s action at the AEGON Championships at Queens Club... Plus Interviews with Marcos Baghdatis, Kevin Anderson and Matt Ebden ...
Enjoy some tennis highlights from Tuesday´s action at the AEGON Championships at Queens Club... Plus Interviews with Marcos Baghdatis, Kevin Anderson and Matt Ebden ...
Monday, March 12, 2012
Djokovic fends off Anderson at Indian Wells
Djokovic fends off Anderson at Indian Wells
Novak Djokovic beat Kevin Anderson 6-2 6-3 to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells.
Nole broke twice in a marathon opening set and once in the second to triumph in one hour 37 minutes.
“It was a very close match,” Djokovic said. “The scoreline does not reflect how close it was, especially the style of the match. In most of our matches … the first set goes on for half an hour or more. I was fortunate to hold that break and I returned well today.”
“He’s very aggressive on the return games. He has a great serve, as you can imagine for his height, so I had to return well. I had to just be patient, and wait for my chances.”
Novak Djokovic beat Kevin Anderson 6-2 6-3 to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells.
Nole broke twice in a marathon opening set and once in the second to triumph in one hour 37 minutes.
“It was a very close match,” Djokovic said. “The scoreline does not reflect how close it was, especially the style of the match. In most of our matches … the first set goes on for half an hour or more. I was fortunate to hold that break and I returned well today.”
“He’s very aggressive on the return games. He has a great serve, as you can imagine for his height, so I had to return well. I had to just be patient, and wait for my chances.”
Monday, March 5, 2012
Anderson wins Delray Beach International 2012 title
Anderson wins Delray Beach International 2012 title
Kevin Anderson beat Marinko Matosevic 6-4, 7-6 to win the ATP Tour's Delray Beach International 2012 title.
Anderson couldn't convert any of his eight break chances in the second set, but he took control early in the tiebreaker to finish off the victory in just under two hours.
"Both of us were a little nervous at the start of match, so I had to find my rhythm," said Anderson.
"I think at the end, I felt I was mentally composed throughout (the tournament). I didn't let any patches of bad tennis affect my mindset."
Kevin Anderson beat Marinko Matosevic 6-4, 7-6 to win the ATP Tour's Delray Beach International 2012 title.
Anderson couldn't convert any of his eight break chances in the second set, but he took control early in the tiebreaker to finish off the victory in just under two hours.
"Both of us were a little nervous at the start of match, so I had to find my rhythm," said Anderson.
"I think at the end, I felt I was mentally composed throughout (the tournament). I didn't let any patches of bad tennis affect my mindset."
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Kevin Anderson rallies to advance in San Jose tennis
Kevin Anderson rallies to advance in San Jose tennis
Kevin Anderson beat Grigor Dimitrov 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 in a first-round match at the ATP San Jose Open.
Anderson hit his 14th and 15th aces of the match to push the third set into a tie-breaker, then won five of the final six points in the tie-breaker to claim the victory after two hours and 27 minutes.
Anderson will next face either Dudi Sela or Matthew Ebden.
Kevin Anderson beat Grigor Dimitrov 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 in a first-round match at the ATP San Jose Open.
Anderson hit his 14th and 15th aces of the match to push the third set into a tie-breaker, then won five of the final six points in the tie-breaker to claim the victory after two hours and 27 minutes.
Anderson will next face either Dudi Sela or Matthew Ebden.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Kevin Anderson married girlfriend Kelsey O’Neal
Kevin Anderson married girlfriend Kelsey O’Neal
Kevin Anderson married his girlfriend Kelsey O’Neal in Illinois during a private ceremony on Saturday 10 November. The couple have since gone on honeymoon to Miami and St. Lucia.
Anderson and Kelsey met five and a half years ago during college at the University of Illinois, where he was a member of the tennis team and Kelsey was on the golf team. Their wedding reception took place at the North Shore Country Club in Glenview, Illinois, where Kelsey’s father is the golf pro.
"It was just an incredible weekend, especially having friends and family coming from all over the world to be a part of our special occasion," said Anderson. "Illinois has become my home since leaving South Africa; it was where I went to college and where Kelsey and I met. It was the most special day of my life."
Kevin Anderson married his girlfriend Kelsey O’Neal in Illinois during a private ceremony on Saturday 10 November. The couple have since gone on honeymoon to Miami and St. Lucia.
Anderson and Kelsey met five and a half years ago during college at the University of Illinois, where he was a member of the tennis team and Kelsey was on the golf team. Their wedding reception took place at the North Shore Country Club in Glenview, Illinois, where Kelsey’s father is the golf pro.
"It was just an incredible weekend, especially having friends and family coming from all over the world to be a part of our special occasion," said Anderson. "Illinois has become my home since leaving South Africa; it was where I went to college and where Kelsey and I met. It was the most special day of my life."
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Fish beats Anderson in straight sets at US Open
Fish beats Anderson in straight sets at US Open
Mardy Fish beat Kevin Anderson 6-4, 7-6(4), 7-6(3) in the third round at the US Open in New York.
“I was just mentally and physically kind of drained to play someone like Novak in that next match,” Fish recalled. “Maybe I could have come up against him, game-wise, a lot better than the score was. But I was so tired I wasn’t ready for it.”
Fish needed a pair of tiebreakers to beat South Africa’s Kevin Anderson 6-4, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3) in the third round Saturday, and it took 3 hours, 20 minutes. Fish estimated that he won 51 percent of the points; he was close—it was just under 53 percent.
In a match that tightly contested, he managed to avoid dropping a set.
Mardy Fish beat Kevin Anderson 6-4, 7-6(4), 7-6(3) in the third round at the US Open in New York.
“I was just mentally and physically kind of drained to play someone like Novak in that next match,” Fish recalled. “Maybe I could have come up against him, game-wise, a lot better than the score was. But I was so tired I wasn’t ready for it.”
Fish needed a pair of tiebreakers to beat South Africa’s Kevin Anderson 6-4, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3) in the third round Saturday, and it took 3 hours, 20 minutes. Fish estimated that he won 51 percent of the points; he was close—it was just under 53 percent.
In a match that tightly contested, he managed to avoid dropping a set.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Kevin Anderson Roger Cup Interview August 9th 2011
Kevin Anderson Roger Cup Interview August 9th 2011
K. ANDERSON/A. Murray
6-3, 6-1
THE MODERATOR: Questions for Kevin.
Q. One of the biggest wins of your career?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Definitely. I've played him a couple years back and he beat me pretty bad. I knew I what I had to do today. I thought I came out and played really well, played the way I wanted to play.
Yeah, it feels great obviously. He's a great player. He's had a very good career. Yeah, definitely very pleased to get the win today.
Q. Anything different that you tried to beat such a top-level player?
KEVIN ANDERSON: I definitely started to play more people, you know, at the top of tennis. I definitely feel a lot more comfortable going out there. I mean, today I knew I had to be very aggressive. I just had to execute.
I mean, I either win the match or lose the match, but at least play the way I wanted to play. I was able to really execute well. I can't really speak for how he played, how he felt. But definitely from my side, I felt I played a very good match today.
Q. What do you think they'll make of the match in your homeland?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, great. It was shown on TV. My parents and some friends watching. Hopefully it was a good match to watch.
Q. What time is it there?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Six hours in front of us, so most people were able to watch.
Q. Knowing that Andy Murray is so good on hard court, how would you measure yourself compared to him?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Well, yeah, I definitely would say hard court is my favorite surface as well. In South Africa, that's all we have. That's what I grew up on. A vast percentage of my time playing tennis has been on hard courts.
I really enjoy playing in the States. I like the way these kind of courts play. Especially when the weather is warmer, the ball bounces up a bit. I feel this surface suits me very well.
Q. Was the weather a factor today at all?
KEVIN ANDERSON: No, I don't think it was a factor. At least physically, it didn't take its toll. Coming from some other tournaments like Atlanta and Washington, it was definitely a lot hotter there. It was still warm enough that the balls were bouncing up nicely. I think it was definitely great playing conditions.
Q. Did you find the balls getting heavy at all?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Not so much. Maybe in the beginning, there were a few extended rallies, and the balls were wearing out a bit. I think overall they were playing pretty lively.
Q. Where were your parents and family watching the match?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Just at home in Jo-burg.
Q. One of the things fans wonder about, even when you played a guy like that before, once the match starts, does the name factor go away?
KEVIN ANDERSON: I think that's probably one of the biggest things, you know, a lot of players have to deal with when you're playing the big names of our sport. You really have to try your best to put that, you know, outside of your thoughts and really just treat it as another tennis match. It's definitely tougher said than done.
Going out there, I felt excited and ready for a challenge. Even keeping up the whole time, you know, even though he might not have been playing his best, putting away somebody like that also is pretty tough.
I was able to keep my focus. Had one tricky service game in the second set. From there, I thought I was able to wrap things up well.
Q. The fact you've been playing a couple weeks on this surface, had a match yesterday, do you think that was a bit of an advantage for you?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, it's always tough to say. I've been in a position these last couple weeks where I've had a bye in the first round and played some guys who have already got a match under their belt.
I mean, it definitely has its advantages. I would think he's pretty used to that, though. I think he's had some extended breaks before. As I said, I can't really say. But a lot of those top guys, I find definitely the way they're able to take time off and come back and play, it's not easy to do. Definitely I think that's pretty impressive.
Q. Talk a little bit about winning in Johannesburg this year. Is this what you were hoping for, a breakout season for yourself?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, definitely had some very good positives this year. I think winning my first title in Jo-burg was probably the highlight. It was great to be back. I hadn't played in South Africa in quite some time. To bring tennis back to South Africa, to be able to win that tournament, was very special.
Yeah, I really like this time of the year. My last few tournaments haven't been exactly what I've been looking for. But so far this week's going very well. Obviously, today was a very big win for me.
Q. Going back to Murray. How surprised were you with how he played today?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, it was probably not exactly what I was expecting. At the same time I think some of the way I played, the way I served today, I think I did make it pretty tough for him. I felt I came forward very well. My game moving forward, I executed very well.
Yeah, the challenge is beating those guys more often. I have to do that I think for a longer period of time. He definitely gave me a few free points here and there, but it's always tough putting away opponents, especially when they're as good as him.
I try to think away from it, just play one game at a time. Really focused on taking care of my service games. On his service, I felt like I was getting some good looks on some returns. Just kept on fighting, just kept on trying to stick with what was working.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
K. ANDERSON/A. Murray
6-3, 6-1
THE MODERATOR: Questions for Kevin.
Q. One of the biggest wins of your career?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Definitely. I've played him a couple years back and he beat me pretty bad. I knew I what I had to do today. I thought I came out and played really well, played the way I wanted to play.
Yeah, it feels great obviously. He's a great player. He's had a very good career. Yeah, definitely very pleased to get the win today.
Q. Anything different that you tried to beat such a top-level player?
KEVIN ANDERSON: I definitely started to play more people, you know, at the top of tennis. I definitely feel a lot more comfortable going out there. I mean, today I knew I had to be very aggressive. I just had to execute.
I mean, I either win the match or lose the match, but at least play the way I wanted to play. I was able to really execute well. I can't really speak for how he played, how he felt. But definitely from my side, I felt I played a very good match today.
Q. What do you think they'll make of the match in your homeland?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, great. It was shown on TV. My parents and some friends watching. Hopefully it was a good match to watch.
Q. What time is it there?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Six hours in front of us, so most people were able to watch.
Q. Knowing that Andy Murray is so good on hard court, how would you measure yourself compared to him?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Well, yeah, I definitely would say hard court is my favorite surface as well. In South Africa, that's all we have. That's what I grew up on. A vast percentage of my time playing tennis has been on hard courts.
I really enjoy playing in the States. I like the way these kind of courts play. Especially when the weather is warmer, the ball bounces up a bit. I feel this surface suits me very well.
Q. Was the weather a factor today at all?
KEVIN ANDERSON: No, I don't think it was a factor. At least physically, it didn't take its toll. Coming from some other tournaments like Atlanta and Washington, it was definitely a lot hotter there. It was still warm enough that the balls were bouncing up nicely. I think it was definitely great playing conditions.
Q. Did you find the balls getting heavy at all?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Not so much. Maybe in the beginning, there were a few extended rallies, and the balls were wearing out a bit. I think overall they were playing pretty lively.
Q. Where were your parents and family watching the match?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Just at home in Jo-burg.
Q. One of the things fans wonder about, even when you played a guy like that before, once the match starts, does the name factor go away?
KEVIN ANDERSON: I think that's probably one of the biggest things, you know, a lot of players have to deal with when you're playing the big names of our sport. You really have to try your best to put that, you know, outside of your thoughts and really just treat it as another tennis match. It's definitely tougher said than done.
Going out there, I felt excited and ready for a challenge. Even keeping up the whole time, you know, even though he might not have been playing his best, putting away somebody like that also is pretty tough.
I was able to keep my focus. Had one tricky service game in the second set. From there, I thought I was able to wrap things up well.
Q. The fact you've been playing a couple weeks on this surface, had a match yesterday, do you think that was a bit of an advantage for you?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, it's always tough to say. I've been in a position these last couple weeks where I've had a bye in the first round and played some guys who have already got a match under their belt.
I mean, it definitely has its advantages. I would think he's pretty used to that, though. I think he's had some extended breaks before. As I said, I can't really say. But a lot of those top guys, I find definitely the way they're able to take time off and come back and play, it's not easy to do. Definitely I think that's pretty impressive.
Q. Talk a little bit about winning in Johannesburg this year. Is this what you were hoping for, a breakout season for yourself?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, definitely had some very good positives this year. I think winning my first title in Jo-burg was probably the highlight. It was great to be back. I hadn't played in South Africa in quite some time. To bring tennis back to South Africa, to be able to win that tournament, was very special.
Yeah, I really like this time of the year. My last few tournaments haven't been exactly what I've been looking for. But so far this week's going very well. Obviously, today was a very big win for me.
Q. Going back to Murray. How surprised were you with how he played today?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, it was probably not exactly what I was expecting. At the same time I think some of the way I played, the way I served today, I think I did make it pretty tough for him. I felt I came forward very well. My game moving forward, I executed very well.
Yeah, the challenge is beating those guys more often. I have to do that I think for a longer period of time. He definitely gave me a few free points here and there, but it's always tough putting away opponents, especially when they're as good as him.
I try to think away from it, just play one game at a time. Really focused on taking care of my service games. On his service, I felt like I was getting some good looks on some returns. Just kept on fighting, just kept on trying to stick with what was working.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Anderson Stuns Murray in Montreal
Anderson Stuns Murray in Montreal
Andy Murray was upset by Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-1 in a second-round at the 2011 Roger Cup in Montreal.
Murray. the defending champion had had a first round bye cwhile Anderson beat Pablo Andujar in the first round.
Anderson served five aces and broke his opponent four times.
The Scott remained baffled by his failure to fire when it mattered.
"I just felt very slow, the game seemed to be going so fast," he said. "It's happened to me already once this year.
"I've trained really hard to get ready for the tournament. I've always played very well here.
"Today I couldn't get anything going. I started both sets really, really badly which doesn't help against someone that serves like Kevin.
"I was down a break early. I didn't get anything going at all."
"I trained in Miami for two weeks before I came here on Thursday. I took probably a week, 10 days off after Davis Cup to rest. "I've been training for two and a half weeks."
Murray was clearly frustrated by his inability to pinpoint what had gone wrong.
"It's normal to be a little bit sort of like nervous and not play your best when you haven't played for four or five weeks," he said.
"But I hoped to be playing better than that, especially with the amount I've been practicing.
"I have to try and turn it round for next week," added Murray, who is slated to play doubles here alongside his brother Jamie before heading to next week's Cincinnati Masters.
Source AP
Andy Murray was upset by Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-1 in a second-round at the 2011 Roger Cup in Montreal.
Murray. the defending champion had had a first round bye cwhile Anderson beat Pablo Andujar in the first round.
Anderson served five aces and broke his opponent four times.
The Scott remained baffled by his failure to fire when it mattered.
"I just felt very slow, the game seemed to be going so fast," he said. "It's happened to me already once this year.
"I've trained really hard to get ready for the tournament. I've always played very well here.
"Today I couldn't get anything going. I started both sets really, really badly which doesn't help against someone that serves like Kevin.
"I was down a break early. I didn't get anything going at all."
"I trained in Miami for two weeks before I came here on Thursday. I took probably a week, 10 days off after Davis Cup to rest. "I've been training for two and a half weeks."
Murray was clearly frustrated by his inability to pinpoint what had gone wrong.
"It's normal to be a little bit sort of like nervous and not play your best when you haven't played for four or five weeks," he said.
"But I hoped to be playing better than that, especially with the amount I've been practicing.
"I have to try and turn it round for next week," added Murray, who is slated to play doubles here alongside his brother Jamie before heading to next week's Cincinnati Masters.
Source AP
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Videos: Miami 2011 Wednesday Highlights and Hot Shot - March 30th
Videos: Miami 2011 Wednesday Highlights and Hot Shot - March 30th
Watch Miami Sony Ericsson Open Online, Highlights and videos on Tennis TV!
Watch highlights from quarter-final action Wednesday at the Sony Ericsson Open, featuring Novak Djokovic vs Kevin Anderson and Mardy Fish against David Ferrer.
Plus, Novak Djokovic is on top of his game and athleticism to provide Wednesday's Hot Shot.
Watch Miami Sony Ericsson Open Online, Highlights and videos on Tennis TV!
Watch highlights from quarter-final action Wednesday at the Sony Ericsson Open, featuring Novak Djokovic vs Kevin Anderson and Mardy Fish against David Ferrer.
Plus, Novak Djokovic is on top of his game and athleticism to provide Wednesday's Hot Shot.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Video: Anderson Miami Tuesday Interview - March 29th 2011
Video: Anderson Miami Tuesday Interview - March 29th 2011
South African Kevin Anderson talks about his win over John Isner on Tuesday at the Sony Ericsson Open.
Watch Miami Sony Ericsson Open Online, Highlights and videos on Tennis TV!
South African Kevin Anderson talks about his win over John Isner on Tuesday at the Sony Ericsson Open.
Watch Miami Sony Ericsson Open Online, Highlights and videos on Tennis TV!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Kevin Anderson Miami Interview March 23rd 2011 - Sony Ericsson Open
Kevin Anderson Miami Interview March 23rd 2011 - Sony Ericsson Open
K. ANDERSON/N. Davydenko 6 4, 6 3
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. What's it about this tournament that allows you to play so well?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Um, well, I think firstly, you know, the court surface I rather enjoy. It definitely, you know, suits my game. I think that would be the first thing.
Secondly, I've always had a bit of time to prepare and get ready for this tournament. I think just the way the calendar is spaced out, it gives you some time to get here and prepare pretty well.
Thirdly, I just think it's a really fun tournament to be at, you know, in the city of Miami and, you know, everything else, which doesn't seem like it's that important. Actually, just, you know, plays into it a little bit.
So I think all those factors, it's a fine tournament, and I'm excited to play. I mean, still, you know, I've won a few matches here, but, you know, not kind of the success that I want to have. But, you know, it's always a great start for me this year, and, you know, you have to take one match at a time.
Q. I know your Illini lost on Sunday night. Does this one today take some of the sting off of Sunday's loss?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, it was a tough game. I was there with I few other Illini buddies I have living here. Unfortunately, I also had Kansas going through, so I can't be too upset about it. It was a win win situation for it me. (Laughter.)
It was fun. You know, I had a great time at Illinois, and there was a few of my friends actually out in the stands watching me today.
Q. I heard you have the best bracket out of everybody here.
KEVIN ANDERSON: Apparently. I just heard that. I'm reading after Day 1 and 2. Come a long way since coming here a fewer years ago. My brother goes to Morehead State, so I picked them, which was a big; I had Richmond beating them, so I have them going through.
All my Final 4s are still in. I've got Kansas winning it.
Q. Who are the other three?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Ohio State playing San Diego State and Kansas playing Wisconsin. I had to keep the Big 10 in there somehow.
Q. Does your brother play tennis for Morehead?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah. He played No. 1 for them fr a few years. He actually just got here today, so he watched my match. It was, yeah, good seeing him out there.
Q. You have some good wins in your career, but beating Davydenko is a solid effort.
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, definitely. He's always had a great career, and I'm not sure where I know he's not at his highest ranking. But, you know, a player like that with so much experience is always going to be a a tough match.
For me I think it gave me a lot of comfort playing such a close match in Wimbledon. I think it was either 9 7 in the fifth or something. I was two sets to love and a break up in the third, so I felt pretty comfortable in that sense.
That's always important. I was comfortable from the first point. I just felt I had to play my game. In the rallies and how the match was progressing, I felt pretty controlled.
You know, I was pretty happy with the way I played today.
Q. Were you able to pick up any tendencies? You know, you've played him once before. Did that contribute even though you lost, did you still find some tendencies that you could use on court?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, no, definitely. I think serve's pretty tricky. He mixes up his first serve. He hits it with a lot of pace sometimes, but then sometimes it's pretty soft. So I was expecting that.
I thought I did a great job on his second serve, which I struggled with a bit. He returns so well, so it was really important to mixing up my serves. I threw in some serve and volleys. My second serve I kept him guessing a bit. Even there when I was serving and he gets his racquet on the ball, he makes most of them. You know, from the baseline, you know, he hits the ball really well. He uses the court well.
So for me, it was just important to stay on the front foot and try to dictate play.
Q. In the second set you were down two games to one. You double faulted twice. What was going through your head and how did you rebound?
KEVIN ANDERSON: It was all tricky on that side. The sun gradually creeped over; that game was probably the worst.
You know, I remember that game. I hit a pretty good serve at 30 All, so I was fortunate, you know, I played some of the more important points on that game, which even though it's kind of close, you know, I always kept my nose in front.
But, yeah, definitely felt the beginning of the second set was important just to keep my momentum going, and I was able to control my service games really well, which, you know, went a long way in the outcome of that match.
Q. What kind of mindset were you in after you were able to break the first game?
KEVIN ANDERSON: It's always a good start breaking first game. You know, obviously there was still a lot of tennis to be played, but definitely calmed any nerves out there, and played the whole match, you know, leading from the front, which is always, you know, a good position to be in.
Combining that with I think some good service games gave me a good start, which boded well for the match.
Q. What are your thoughts on the next one?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Garcia Lopez, right? I haven't seen the draw. I just heard.
Yeah, yeah. I know that he strikes the ball really well. I don't know too much about him. I've never played him before. Actually haven't seen him playing that many matches. I've just seen him practice a couple of times.
Yeah, so I will have to, yeah, talk to my coach about it and try and assess it and see how he plays. Most importantly is just have a good day tomorrow and continue playing my game. I think that will serve me the best.
Q. Do you think you would have been this kind of player if you had not played college tennis?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, it's a pretty in depth question, but I think for me it was definitely the right decision going to college. You know, there was firstly, just coming from South Africa, it was it's just too far to base yourself out of.
Now I think the first thing it gave me was a base to train out of. I've kind of moved up to Chicago right now, but just made me feel comfortable living in the States.
And then just the game, I think I improved quite a lot in the States, not just on the court, but also off the court a little bit. It's such an ideal setup the way it's set up, you know, playing matches in the beginning and I was able to play quite a bit of pro events during the summer.
Also starting out, there was a couple guys like Ryler DeHeart. I was traveling quite a bit with him, and it just made it quite a different experience as opposed to doing it by myself, which would have been the case.
And I think last year there was just some good college tennis being played. I mean, you look at a few of us who have gone pro, and, you know, my last year, the top four of us as well being three of us are top 100, and Jesse Levine was Top 100 as well. He was injured, but I expect to see him back there pretty soon as well.
Q. This is you, John, Somdev?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, yeah. So we finished top 4 that year, and, I mean, that's a pretty and there's a lot of other good players, as well.
Q. You're playing the top tennis of your career right now. You won in South Africa; you had a great run in Spain. Is there anything you credit your newfound success to? Are you playing with more confidence? Have you altered your mechanics at all or just a combination of everything?
KEVIN ANDERSON: No, I think it's just continuing learning and growing and improving. You know, this year has been good. I've had some good results. But even still, I've learned a lot this year, you know, and it's only sort of you know, the year is just getting started. I have had some good results, but I have had some pretty disappointing results as well.
Yeah, I just have to keep working hard that's what I always sort of rely on and keep getting better. You know, this time last year I think the biggest difference is just the comfort tort of playing anybody in the world.
I think that takes just getting used to, at least for me it did. I'm walking out whether I'm playing Federer or Nadal or Davydenko or anybody, doesn't really matter, I'm just going to go out there and play my game.
So that's something I've gotten a lot better at.
Q. Did you have a chance to talk to Davydenko after the match? Because I know, you know, he's gone through tough times. He's trying to resurrect himself. At one point he was ranked 3 in the world. Did you have a chance to give him any words of advice or talk to him at all?
KEVIN ANDERSON: I just didn't actually see him. But a player like that, I would ask him for advice, not the other way around. (Laughter.)
So, you know, he's a great tennis player, and he's I'm sure we'll see him, you know, back in the top echelons of the game pretty soon.
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K. ANDERSON/N. Davydenko 6 4, 6 3
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. What's it about this tournament that allows you to play so well?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Um, well, I think firstly, you know, the court surface I rather enjoy. It definitely, you know, suits my game. I think that would be the first thing.
Secondly, I've always had a bit of time to prepare and get ready for this tournament. I think just the way the calendar is spaced out, it gives you some time to get here and prepare pretty well.
Thirdly, I just think it's a really fun tournament to be at, you know, in the city of Miami and, you know, everything else, which doesn't seem like it's that important. Actually, just, you know, plays into it a little bit.
So I think all those factors, it's a fine tournament, and I'm excited to play. I mean, still, you know, I've won a few matches here, but, you know, not kind of the success that I want to have. But, you know, it's always a great start for me this year, and, you know, you have to take one match at a time.
Q. I know your Illini lost on Sunday night. Does this one today take some of the sting off of Sunday's loss?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, it was a tough game. I was there with I few other Illini buddies I have living here. Unfortunately, I also had Kansas going through, so I can't be too upset about it. It was a win win situation for it me. (Laughter.)
It was fun. You know, I had a great time at Illinois, and there was a few of my friends actually out in the stands watching me today.
Q. I heard you have the best bracket out of everybody here.
KEVIN ANDERSON: Apparently. I just heard that. I'm reading after Day 1 and 2. Come a long way since coming here a fewer years ago. My brother goes to Morehead State, so I picked them, which was a big; I had Richmond beating them, so I have them going through.
All my Final 4s are still in. I've got Kansas winning it.
Q. Who are the other three?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Ohio State playing San Diego State and Kansas playing Wisconsin. I had to keep the Big 10 in there somehow.
Q. Does your brother play tennis for Morehead?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah. He played No. 1 for them fr a few years. He actually just got here today, so he watched my match. It was, yeah, good seeing him out there.
Q. You have some good wins in your career, but beating Davydenko is a solid effort.
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, definitely. He's always had a great career, and I'm not sure where I know he's not at his highest ranking. But, you know, a player like that with so much experience is always going to be a a tough match.
For me I think it gave me a lot of comfort playing such a close match in Wimbledon. I think it was either 9 7 in the fifth or something. I was two sets to love and a break up in the third, so I felt pretty comfortable in that sense.
That's always important. I was comfortable from the first point. I just felt I had to play my game. In the rallies and how the match was progressing, I felt pretty controlled.
You know, I was pretty happy with the way I played today.
Q. Were you able to pick up any tendencies? You know, you've played him once before. Did that contribute even though you lost, did you still find some tendencies that you could use on court?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, no, definitely. I think serve's pretty tricky. He mixes up his first serve. He hits it with a lot of pace sometimes, but then sometimes it's pretty soft. So I was expecting that.
I thought I did a great job on his second serve, which I struggled with a bit. He returns so well, so it was really important to mixing up my serves. I threw in some serve and volleys. My second serve I kept him guessing a bit. Even there when I was serving and he gets his racquet on the ball, he makes most of them. You know, from the baseline, you know, he hits the ball really well. He uses the court well.
So for me, it was just important to stay on the front foot and try to dictate play.
Q. In the second set you were down two games to one. You double faulted twice. What was going through your head and how did you rebound?
KEVIN ANDERSON: It was all tricky on that side. The sun gradually creeped over; that game was probably the worst.
You know, I remember that game. I hit a pretty good serve at 30 All, so I was fortunate, you know, I played some of the more important points on that game, which even though it's kind of close, you know, I always kept my nose in front.
But, yeah, definitely felt the beginning of the second set was important just to keep my momentum going, and I was able to control my service games really well, which, you know, went a long way in the outcome of that match.
Q. What kind of mindset were you in after you were able to break the first game?
KEVIN ANDERSON: It's always a good start breaking first game. You know, obviously there was still a lot of tennis to be played, but definitely calmed any nerves out there, and played the whole match, you know, leading from the front, which is always, you know, a good position to be in.
Combining that with I think some good service games gave me a good start, which boded well for the match.
Q. What are your thoughts on the next one?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Garcia Lopez, right? I haven't seen the draw. I just heard.
Yeah, yeah. I know that he strikes the ball really well. I don't know too much about him. I've never played him before. Actually haven't seen him playing that many matches. I've just seen him practice a couple of times.
Yeah, so I will have to, yeah, talk to my coach about it and try and assess it and see how he plays. Most importantly is just have a good day tomorrow and continue playing my game. I think that will serve me the best.
Q. Do you think you would have been this kind of player if you had not played college tennis?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, it's a pretty in depth question, but I think for me it was definitely the right decision going to college. You know, there was firstly, just coming from South Africa, it was it's just too far to base yourself out of.
Now I think the first thing it gave me was a base to train out of. I've kind of moved up to Chicago right now, but just made me feel comfortable living in the States.
And then just the game, I think I improved quite a lot in the States, not just on the court, but also off the court a little bit. It's such an ideal setup the way it's set up, you know, playing matches in the beginning and I was able to play quite a bit of pro events during the summer.
Also starting out, there was a couple guys like Ryler DeHeart. I was traveling quite a bit with him, and it just made it quite a different experience as opposed to doing it by myself, which would have been the case.
And I think last year there was just some good college tennis being played. I mean, you look at a few of us who have gone pro, and, you know, my last year, the top four of us as well being three of us are top 100, and Jesse Levine was Top 100 as well. He was injured, but I expect to see him back there pretty soon as well.
Q. This is you, John, Somdev?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, yeah. So we finished top 4 that year, and, I mean, that's a pretty and there's a lot of other good players, as well.
Q. You're playing the top tennis of your career right now. You won in South Africa; you had a great run in Spain. Is there anything you credit your newfound success to? Are you playing with more confidence? Have you altered your mechanics at all or just a combination of everything?
KEVIN ANDERSON: No, I think it's just continuing learning and growing and improving. You know, this year has been good. I've had some good results. But even still, I've learned a lot this year, you know, and it's only sort of you know, the year is just getting started. I have had some good results, but I have had some pretty disappointing results as well.
Yeah, I just have to keep working hard that's what I always sort of rely on and keep getting better. You know, this time last year I think the biggest difference is just the comfort tort of playing anybody in the world.
I think that takes just getting used to, at least for me it did. I'm walking out whether I'm playing Federer or Nadal or Davydenko or anybody, doesn't really matter, I'm just going to go out there and play my game.
So that's something I've gotten a lot better at.
Q. Did you have a chance to talk to Davydenko after the match? Because I know, you know, he's gone through tough times. He's trying to resurrect himself. At one point he was ranked 3 in the world. Did you have a chance to give him any words of advice or talk to him at all?
KEVIN ANDERSON: I just didn't actually see him. But a player like that, I would ask him for advice, not the other way around. (Laughter.)
So, you know, he's a great tennis player, and he's I'm sure we'll see him, you know, back in the top echelons of the game pretty soon.
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